Mac audio guide
AirPlay to multiple speakers on Mac: choose your method
Compare three ways to play Mac audio on multiple speakers: Apple Music AirPlay, Audio MIDI Setup and SoundFerry for compatible network speaker groups.
Which multiple-speaker method works for your Mac?
For AirPlay to multiple speakers on a Mac, use Apple Music’s AirPlay menu when listening in Music. For other Mac audio, choose a route that supports your devices: Audio MIDI Setup for listed audio devices, or SoundFerry for compatible network speakers. The source app and receiver support determine the right method.
This page compares Mac playback routes. For network setup, room grouping and a broader explanation of AirPlay multiroom on Mac, see the multi-room guide.
| Method | Best fit | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music AirPlay | Music playing inside Apple Music | AirPlay speakers on the same network. |
| Audio MIDI Setup | Combining audio devices your Mac exposes | Each output must appear in Audio MIDI Setup. |
| SoundFerry | Mac apps and browsers using a network speaker group | Compatible AirPlay or Google Cast receivers and installation of the Mac audio driver. |
Music: built-in multiple-speaker AirPlay
In the Music app, open the AirPlay menu and select the speakers you want to use. This is a built-in option for playback inside Music. Mac Control Centre’s AirPlay output selects one destination. Apple’s AirPlay guide.
Audio MIDI Setup: combine available audio devices
A Multi-Output Device combines devices available in Audio MIDI Setup. Apple provides instructions for choosing its members and primary device. Check which devices are actually listed on your Mac; an AirPlay destination in a player does not establish that it is selectable here. Apple’s Multi-Output Device guide.
SoundFerry: choose a network speaker group
SoundFerry adds a virtual Mac output and routes its audio to compatible AirPlay and Google Cast outputs. Use it for a speaker selection that follows audio sent to that output from your players and browsers.
Save groups, adjust outgoing audio and use per-speaker delay controls to tune playback. The standard setup adds several seconds of delay, making it better suited to listening than live monitoring.
For Spotify on multiple speakers, choose the Mac as Spotify’s playback device first. For browsers, follow the YouTube listening guide. Any app with its own output selection needs to use SoundFerry or the system output.
SoundFerry runs on Apple Silicon Macs with macOS 14 or later. It does not install this audio route on an iPhone or iPad. Check receiver compatibility and use the trial with your actual rooms before choosing a setup.
Set up playback
- 01
Install and complete initial setup
Follow the installer and setup guide, including the audio driver, required runtime and Mac restart.
- 02
Choose SoundFerry as the Mac output
Open System Settings → Sound → Output and choose SoundFerry. In players with their own output setting, select the system output or SoundFerry.
- 03
Select your speakers and start streaming
Choose the available compatible outputs in SoundFerry. Complete pairing if prompted, then start playback.
- 04
Save the rooms you use together
Adjust the volume and timing while listening, then save your selection as a group.
Follow the full setup guide for installation and pairing.
Questions
Can a Mac AirPlay to multiple speakers?
Yes. Apple Music can select multiple AirPlay speakers for its own playback. Mac Control Centre selects one destination. To send audio from other Mac apps to a network speaker group, consider SoundFerry and verify your receivers. Apple’s AirPlay guide.
Does a Multi-Output Device include every AirPlay speaker?
Do not assume it does. Audio MIDI Setup combines devices listed in its Audio Devices window. An AirPlay destination shown in another app is not proof that you can add it to a Multi-Output Device.
Which route should I choose?
Use Music’s controls for Music playback, Audio MIDI Setup for audio devices available there, or SoundFerry when you need Mac audio routed to compatible network receivers with saved groups.
Can I send a different song to each room with SoundFerry?
This workflow distributes the audio sent to the SoundFerry Mac output to your selected group. It is for sharing that source across rooms, rather than creating an independent player for each room.
What do I need?
macOS 14 or later on Apple Silicon, compatible AirPlay or Google Cast speakers on the same network, and administrator authentication to install the driver. The distributed PKG is for Apple Silicon.
Does it send to Bluetooth or Google Cast speakers?
Google Cast outputs are supported, alongside AirPlay. Bluetooth output is not part of this network-speaker workflow. Mixed-device timing needs testing on your network.
Can I adjust the timing between speakers?
SoundFerry provides a delay control for each speaker to help align playback. The result depends on the speakers and network. Use the trial to check your saved groups in the rooms where you listen.
How much delay is there?
Audio reaches the speakers a few seconds after it plays on your Mac. SoundFerry is designed for music listening; instrument monitoring, games and calls need a faster response. For video, check whether your player can compensate for audio delay.
Compare your playback routes
Read Spotify Connect vs AirPlay for multi-room listening to understand device control, speaker groups and the Mac audio route before choosing a setup.
Explore SoundFerry for your setup
Review compatible speakers, setup requirements and release information before choosing your audio route.
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- 7-day trial
- macOS 14+, Apple silicon